Hammock Accessory For Diverting Rain Flow

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a planar, circular disc, referred to as a diverter. Components of the diverter include a rim, a first face, a second face, a flange, and an interior aperture. The interior aperture is constructed of dimensions serving to accommodate the width and thickness of a strap, rope, cable, or other apparatus used for suspending a hammock between two vertical structures, usually trees. The profile of the interior aperture is constructed in any geometric contour, and in a range of sizes to fit the specific dimensions of any apparatus that is used for suspension of the hammock. The diverter, upon being connected about the apparatus used for support of a hammock, serves to divert the flow of rainwater away from the bedding surface of the hammock.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The field of the present inventive concept relates generally to methods and equipment utilized to deploy and operate hammocks. More particularly, the device and method disclosed is applicable to preventing the flow of rainwater along the length of any attaching cords, straps, or other structures connected to either end of a hammock. There is disclosed a generically planar, circular structure oriented so as to deflect flowing rainwater from coursing the length of any attaching cord or strap and onto the hammock bed structure itself.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The following materials and/or documents disclose concepts or devices that have some relatedness to the disclosed concept.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,568 Roney, R; May 19, 2015; Drainable hammocks with an arrangement of drainage paths in the fabric of the hammock bed are disclosed, wherein the drainage paths are openings in the fabric of the hammock bed. In one example, the openings are formed by grommets that are positioned in the fabric of the hammock bed. A method of operation of the drainable hammocks includes, but is not limited to, the steps of water impinging the uppermost surface of the hammock bed, water flowing due to gravity from the high points in the hammock bed to the low points in the hammock bed, and water exiting the hammock bed through the drainage paths and onto the ground below.

U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2019/0223581 A1; Conlin, T. Jul. 25, 2019; This disclosure generally relates to a hammock strap. The hammock strap includes an elongated length of strap material that is separated into a first strap and a second strap. The first strap and the second strap are woven together at one or more separation points to form eyelets between the first strap and the second strap.

U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2016/0213130; Frazier, T. Jul. 28, 2016. A hammock enclosure designed for preferably one or two hammocks can be used in a variety of settings and locales due to a number of features of the enclosure.

The hammock enclosure has sides made of a high-quality netting to prevent insects from entering the enclosure. Additionally, an adjustable, water proof rain fly is positioned above the enclosure and the bottom of the enclosure also comprises a water proof material. The hammock enclosure is affixed, preferably to two trees, and the hammocks then hung inside. The lines for the hammocks pass through openings which may be cinched close to again prevent water, insects, and the like from entering the enclosure. Alternatively, the hammock enclosure may be secured to the ground via loops, an upper loop(s), and a securement mechanism. This enables the hammock enclosure to be utilized as a traditional ground shelter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hammocks are supporting structures, generally arranged horizontally, and suspended by ropes or cords at one, or generally both ends of the hammock. Hammocks are traditionally constructed from canvas, rope mesh, or other flexible material. They are normally used for lounging, resting, sleeping and other restful body positions associated with leisure or camping activity. The design and structure of hammocks have not changed significantly over the last three or four score of years.

The within inventive concept discloses a primary diverter 1, and a secondary diverter 5, each of which is affixed, by means of an interior aperture 2, 6, to at least one strap, rope, or cord which connects to the first end 22 or second end 23 of a hammock 20. Such connection of the primary diverter 1 or secondary diverter 5 serves to divert the flow of rainwater away from the bedding surface of the hammock 20, and thereby minimizing the possible accumulation of water on the hammock bedding surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

FIG. 1 displays a hammock 20 having a bed 21, first end 22, second end 23, a left side 24, and a right side 25.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the second end 23 of a typical hammock bed 21, a second connector 27, and a strap 29(b), the strap 29(b) being attached to a primary diverter 1.

FIG. 3 displays an enlarged view of a primary diverter 1 further showing its interior aperture 2 used to secure the primary diverter 1 to a strap or cord typically used in supporting a hammock 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the primary diverter 1, as seen from sectional lines 3-3 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 displays a view of a secondary diverter 5 having a hinged mechanism 13 suitable for creating an angular opening 6 and shaped recess 4 for insertion and securement of a strap 29(b) of the type used for suspending hammocks 20.

Table of Nomenclature & Part Numbers of Invention  1. Primary diverter  2. Interior aperture  3. Flange  4. Shaped recess  5. Secondary diverter  6. Angular opening  7. Clasp mechanism  8. Rim  9.-10. n/a 11. Upper ledge 12. Lower ledge 13. Hinge mechanism 14. First face 15. Second face 16. First semi-circular disc 17. Second semi-circular disc 18.-19. n/a 20. Hammock 21. Bed/bedding surface 22. First end 23. Second end 24. Left side 25. Right side 26. First connector 27. Second connector 28. Hook 29(a) Left strap 29(b) Right strap 30. Coupler 31.-32. n/a 33. Tree/post

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling five figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use of the inventive concept. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a view of an exemplary hammock 20 and its principal components.

The typical hammock 20, generally, consists of a bed 21, or bedding area, composed of a section, or sections, of flexible fabric. The bed 21 formed therefrom is constructed with a first end 22, and an opposing second end 23. Further, the bed 21 comprises a left side 24 and a right side 25. The hammock 20 provides a very comfortable, stable, and essentially level sleeping position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the left side 24 and right side 25 each taper from their widest mid-hammock 20 spacing dimension toward the first end 22 and second end 23 of the hammock 20, respectively. At the point of narrowest taper, or apex, provision is made for the first end 22 and second end 23 to merge into respective segments where some type of connection must be made. For illustrative purposes only, and not with the intent of limitation, the means of connection, illustrated in FIG. 2, is shown to be a second connector 27 mechanism engaging a hook 28 and a right strap 29(b).

A hammock 20, in a normal use is suspended between two upright structures, usually trees 33 or posts (more readily shown in FIG. 2) by means of any one of a variety of connections in FIG. 1, strictly for illustrative purposes, there is shown a particular connection involving a cargo hook 28 having a ring portion a left strap 29(a), and a right strap 29(b), each strap 29(a), 29(b) common to each respective end 22, 23 of the hammock 20. In other hammock designs, a special cam buckle having an opening may be used to facilitate suspending and taking down the hammock 20.

In FIG. 2, there is presented a close-up view of a portion of the bed 21 of the hammock 20, culminating at the second end 23 of the hammock 20. Further shown at this right end segment of the hammock 20, is a connector 27 attached, by means of a hook 28, to the right strap 29(b). The right strap 29(b) extends from the hook 28 to a wrap-around arrangement about a tree 33, post, or other vertically supporting structure. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a primary diverter 1 which effects snug enclosure of the right strap 29(b), by means of insertion of the right strap 29(b) through an interior aperture 2. The inner dimensions of the interior aperture 2 are varied to accommodate fitting about a variety of different sizes of straps 29(a), 29(b).

As shown in FIG. 2, strictly for ease of explanation, and not as a means of limitation of the design of the primary diverter 1, the interior aperture 2 shown consists of an orthogonal, specifically rectangular, profile, The rectangular profile shown further, corresponds to the rectangular contour of the right strap 29(b). In actual use, the profile of the interior aperture 2 may be of orthogonal, oval, elliptical, or any geometric profile that corresponds to a particular rope, strap, cable, or other lengthy apparatus used to connect to, and suspend, a hammock 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, at the point of insertion of the right strap 29(b) into the interior aperture 2, the primary diverter 1 provides a means by which accumulated rain drops, falling onto the right strap 29(b) proximate the tree 33 and flowing downward along the right strap 29(b), contact the first face 14 of the primary diverter 1. Immediately upon such contact, the accumulated rain drops flow downward toward the lower-oriented section of a circumferential rim 8 of the primary diverter 1, and fall toward the ground. In this manner, excess rain water is prevented from reaching the second end 23 and bed 21, or bedding area, of the hammock 20.

The subject hammock 20 utilizes the principal of water adhesion, similar to a drip edge in roof construction. Once water falls upon the right strap 29(b), the water cannot go upwards against gravity and its surface tension causes water droplets to run down the first face 14 of the primary diverter 1 and onto the ground. The same principle of functioning of the primary diverter 1 also applies to any affixing of the primary diverter 1 about the left strap 29(a) of a hammock 20.

FIG. 3 presents a close-up view of the preferred embodiment of the primary diverter 1. Components of the primary diverter 1 include the rim 8, its first face 14, a flange 3, and an interior aperture 2. The interior aperture 2 is constructed of dimensions serving to accommodate the width and thickness of a typical strap 29(a), 29(b) which may be used for suspending a hammock 20. The dimensions of the interior aperture 2 may be adjusted, larger or smaller, and to any contour, to fit a range of sizes of a strap, cable, or other cord-type apparatus that may be used for suspension of the hammock 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the primary diverter 1 as seen from the perspective of sectional lines 3-3 of FIG. 3. Components of the primary diverter 1 shown include the rim 8, surfaces of the first face 14, and second face 15, a flange 3 which protrudes slightly outward from the plane of both the first face 14, and the second face 15 of the primary diverter 1, and an interior aperture 2. The interior aperture 2 is essentially a through-hole constructed of dimensions serving to accommodate the width and thickness of a typical strap 29(a), 29(b) which may be used for suspending a hammock 20.

FIG. 5 displays a view of a secondary diverter 5, being essentially a separable planar disc having the same profile and circumferential dimensions as the primary diverter 1. The secondary diverter 5 comprises a first semi-circular disc 16 having, at its widest section, or diameter, an integral protruding upper ledge 11, the length of the upper ledge 11 equal to the diameter of the first semicircular disc 16. The secondary diverter 5 further comprises a second semicircular disc 17 having, at its widest section, or diameter, an integral protruding lower ledge 12, the length of the lower ledge 12 equal to the diameter of the second semicircular disc 17.

In FIG. 5, the secondary diverter 5 is shown in an “open” orientation, displaying the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17, and further displaying two shaped recesses 4, formed by an orthogonal gap existing at the midpoint of each the upper ledge 11 and the lower ledge 12, respectively.

A hinged mechanism 13 operates to effect a separation of the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17. The separation of the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17 creates an angular opening 6 of the secondary diverter 5. Once the angular opening 6 is formed, a strap 29(a), 29(b) of the type used for suspending hammocks 20, may be inserted within the space of the angular opening 6, and specifically, within the contours of the shaped recess 4 of either the first semicircular disc 16 or the second semicircular disc 17.

Purely for purposes of illustration, the shaped recess 4 in FIG. 5 is illustrated as orthogonal, specifically rectangular, so as to correspond to the rectangular contour of the right strap 29(b). In actual use, the profile of the shaped recess 4 may be of orthogonal, oval, elliptical, or any geometric profile that corresponds to a particular rope, strap, cable, or other lengthy apparatus used to connect to, and suspend, a hammock 20. Likewise, the range of sizes of the shaped recess 4 is constructed to accommodate such apparatus.

Immediately after the insertion of a strap 29(b), the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17 are closed together by means of a clasp mechanism 7 to secure the strap 29(a), 29(b). The components of the clasp mechanism 7 consist of compatible opposing surfaces and are affixed, respectively, to each, the non-hinged end of the upper ledge 11 and the non-hinged end of the lower ledge 12. The clasp mechanism 7 provides a secure closure of both the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17. The clasp mechanism 7 may be constructed of hook-and-felt components, magnetized components, a lobster clasp, a box clasp, or any of a variety of fastening mechanisms commonly known in the art.

The secondary diverter 5 forms its angular opening 6 on each occasion where a user releases the clasp mechanism 7 and rotates the upper ledge 11 apart from the lower ledge 12. In this manner, the angular opening 6 may accommodate the cross-sectional surfaces of a typical strap 29(b), at which time the upper ledge 11 is rotated downward so as to engage the strap 29(b) and is then immediately secured by the clasp mechanism 7. The secondary diverter 5 thereupon functions in the same manner as the primary diverter 1, by diverting accumulated rain drops downward toward the lower-oriented rim 8 of the secondary diverter 5, and causing the rain drops to fall toward the ground.

As shown in FIG. 5, an interior aperture 2 will be formed by the closure of the upper ledge 11 and lower ledge 12. The interior aperture 2 is formed by the conjoining of a shaped recess 4 existing in each the upper ledge 11 and the lower ledge 12. The interior aperture 2 will then function to envelope and clasp the width and thickness of a typical strap 29(a), 29(b) used for attachment, support, and suspension of a hammock 20. In the intended use of the secondary diverter, 5, both semi-circular discs 16, 17 function so as to divert and direct rainwater away from the downward-sloping strap or straps proximate the bed 21 of a hammock 20

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rainwater diversion device for minimizing the accumulation of water about the bedding area of a hammock, comprising: a planar disc having a first face and a second face, the planar disc further comprising (a) an interior aperture oriented at the center of the planar disc; (b) a flange, integral to, and corresponding to the exterior of the interior aperture and encompassing the outer edges of the interior aperture; and (c) an integral circumferential rim constructed so as to encompass the outer perimeters of both faces of the planar disc.
 2. The rainwater diversion device as in claim 1, wherein the interior aperture comprises an orthogonal profile.
 3. The rainwater diversion device as in claim 1, wherein the interior aperture comprises a circular profile.
 4. The rainwater diversion device as in claim 1, wherein the interior aperture comprises an elliptical profile.
 5. A rainwater diversion device for minimizing the accumulation of rain water about the bedding area of a hammock, comprising: a separable planar disc, further comprising (a) a first semicircular disc having an upper ledge containing a shaped recess said upper ledge oriented at the diameter of said first semicircular disc; (b) a second semicircular disc having a lower ledge containing a shaped recess, said lower ledge oriented at the diameter of said second semicircular disc; (c) a hinged mechanism connecting a common end of the upper ledge and lower ledge; (d) a clasping mechanism having compatible opposing surfaces, affixed to the un-hinged end of the upper ledge and the unhinged end of the lower ledge; and (e) an integral circumferential rim constructed about the outer perimeters of each the first semicircular disc and the second semicircular disc.
 6. The rainwater diversion device of claim 5, wherein the shaped recess comprises an orthogonal profile.
 7. The rainwater diversion device of claim 5, wherein the shaped recess comprises a circular profile.
 8. The rainwater diversion device of claim 5, wherein the shaped recess comprises an elliptical profile.
 9. The rainwater diversion device of claim 5, wherein the clasping mechanism comprises corresponding components of a hook-and-felt fastening mechanism.
 10. Where it is desired to divert the flow of accumulated rain drops along the length of a strap, cable, rope, or other device providing support to at least one end of a hammock, a planar disc comprising a first face and a second face, the planar disc further comprising (a) an interior aperture oriented at the center of the planar disc; (b) a flange integral to, and corresponding to the outer contour edges of the interior aperture; and (c) an integral circumferential rim constructed so as to encompass the outer perimeters of both faces of the planar disc.
 11. The rainwater diversion device of claim 10, wherein the interior aperture comprises an orthogonal profile.
 12. The rainwater diversion device of claim 10, wherein the interior aperture comprises a circular profile.
 13. The rainwater diversion device of claim 10, wherein the interior aperture comprises an elliptical profile.
 14. The rainwater diversion device of claim 10, wherein the clasping mechanism comprises corresponding components of a hook-and-felt fastening mechanism. 